Here’s How YOU Can Help the Victims of Superstorm Sandy

Devastating news about Sandy's destruction on the East Coast keeps pouring in, days after most of the flooding has already receded. And even though we want to help, finding effective uses for our time and money can be tough--especially...

Devastating news about Sandy's destruction on the East Coast keeps pouring in, days after most of the flooding has already receded. And even though we want to help, finding effective uses for our time and money can be tough--especially amidst the chaos and crisis.

According to the pros (and by “pros” we mean FEMA, national disaster-relief organizations and the governments of the cities most impacted)
monetary donations to trusted charities are the best ways we can help for now. But in hard-hit areas along the Eastern Seaboard, volunteers and supplies are needed, too. Here are a few ways you can help rebuild our cities, our coastline, and our communities, whether you’re near or far.

If You’re Local to the Northeast:

VOLUNTEER: If there’s a shelter in your area that’s housing displaced victims of the storm, they may be looking for people to work all kinds of jobs–from making sandwiches and serving coffee to just keeping occupants company for a few hours. Areas hard hit by the storm (parks and beaches, for example) may also be looking for clean-up crews once they’re cleared for safety. FEMA’s website has links for organizations in each state that can connect you with volunteer organizations; you can also visit NYC.gov/service in New York City or call 1-800-JERSEY-7 in New Jersey.

DONATE GOODS, BUT ASK FIRST: Shelters may also be seeking clothing, books and magazines, food, and other materials. Instead of overwhelming them with what they already have (or can’t use anyway), find out exactly what donations are being requested. Some organizations are looking for prepared meals and perishables, while others will only accept unopened, store-bought products, for example.

OFFER ANY EXTRA LIVING SPACE YOU MAY HAVE: Airbnb.com has waived its fees on many apartment listings in hard hit areas of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island, and is encouraging members to list their apartments for a discounted rate (or even free!) during this time. Don’t have a whole apartment to share? Offer your couch, a hot shower, a place to charge gadgets or a hot meal to a friend (or a friend of a friend of a friend) who’s still without power.

If You Can’t Reach the Northeast:

TEXT A DONATION: It’s never been easier to give money to a good cause: Text the word REDCROSS to 90999 or the word STORM to 80888 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross or Salvation Army, respectively. (It’ll be charged to your phone bill. You won’t even notice it’s gone!)

WATCH TONIGHT’S BENEFIT: Tune in to NBC tonight at 8 p.m. eastern time to NBC’s benefit telethon, Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together. Long Island’s own Billy Joel, Jersey Shore’s Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi are just a few names confirmed to participate in the event, whose proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross relief efforts.

GIVE BLOOD: Blood drives were cancelled in 14 states thanks to Sandy, and these areas are badly in need of replenishment to their blood banks. (Blood was also transported from other areas to fill the gaps, contributing to even more widespread shortages.) Although donations are needed most urgently in the areas hit hardest by the storm, this can serve as a reminder for something almost all of us can do, anywhere in the country, to help those less fortunate. Visit NYBloodCenter.org (in the New York area) GiveBloodNJ.org (in New Jersey), or RedCrossBlood.org (nationwide) to find out how you can schedule an appointment to donate or set up a blood drive near you.